A regional earthquake preparedness drill – the Great Central U.S. Shakeout – will be held February 7 and Middle Tennessee area residents are encouraged to take part and learn what supplies to have on hand and what to do if an earthquake strikes.

The Great Central U.S. Shakeout is a coordinated drill that will take place February 7 at 10:15 a.m. local time.

“You could be anywhere when an earthquake happens,” said Joel Sullivan, Regional CEO, Tennessee Volunteer Region. “Households, businesses and schools should take this opportunity to create or update their emergency plans and to practice what to do in case of an earthquake.”

The free American Red Cross Earthquake App, available in English and Spanish, gives users access to real-time information so they know what to do before, during and after earthquakes. Of course in the event of an earthquake, WGNS will broadcast special information to our listeners "LIVE." We will also be "on the air" with Red Cross and Rutherford County Emergency Management representatives during and after any natural disaster.

Features of the new Red Cross app include:

Simple steps and checklists people can use to create a family emergency plan;

Earthquake epicenter location, impact magnitude and local geographical impact data provided by the U.S. Geological Survey;